ENTEBBE, Uganda – July 24, 2025 — Entebbe International Airport has posted significant growth in both passenger and cargo traffic in the first half of 2025, highlighting a positive trajectory for Uganda’s aviation and trade sectors.
According to data released by the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), the airport handled a total of 1,133,366 international passengers between January and June 2025 — comprising 550,439 arrivals and 582,927 departures. This marks an overall increase of 6% compared to the same period in 2024, which saw 1,069,224 international travelers. The year-on-year figures reflect a 4.3% rise in arrivals and a 7.6% increase in departures.
Industry experts attribute this upward trend to improving global travel confidence, expanded airline connectivity, and Uganda’s growing reputation as both a tourist and investment destination.
Meanwhile, cargo operations also saw encouraging growth. The airport handled 33,622 metric tonnes of cargo during the first half of 2025, up from 32,794 tonnes in the same period of 2024. Export volumes increased by 2.1%, reaching 22,844 tonnes, while imports grew by 3.5%, totaling 10,778 tonnes. Uganda’s key export commodities—such as fish, flowers, vegetables, and fresh produce—continue to play a vital role in this steady growth.
Aircraft movements rose from 15,223 in the first half of 2024 to 15,922 in 2025, a 4.6% increase, reflecting more frequent flights and greater airline activity at the country’s main international gateway.
However, not all indicators were on the rise. The number of overflights—flights passing through Ugandan airspace without landing—declined by 3.6%, from 12,359 in early 2024 to 11,917 in 2025. Aviation authorities noted that the decline is linked to the partial reopening of Sudanese airspace, which had previously been closed due to regional conflicts. With new ICAO-designated contingency routes now available, airlines operating between the Middle East, Southern Africa, and Latin America have resumed flying more direct paths, bypassing Ugandan airspace.
